Two eastern Idaho artists were among those who received 2018 Governor’s Awards in the Arts, the Idaho Commission on the Arts announced this week.

Jeff Minor of Salmon earned the Excellence in Folk and Traditional Arts for his work as a rawhide braider, silver engraver and saddlemaker.

Alexa Stanger of Idaho Falls was one of two Idahoans to be honored in the category of Support of Arts Education. Stanger is the education director at The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho.

According to a news release, the biennial awards were established in 1970 by the Idaho Commission on the Arts. The awards “bring recognition to Idaho’s exceptional artists, arts organizations, and arts supporters.”

The process for choosing winners begins with nominations from the public. Those nominations are reviewed by the Idaho Commission on the Arts and then presented to the governor and first lady, who made the final decisions.

“It is important that we take time out to celebrate those who spur the creative genius that lives in all of us. We honor their commitment, their passion and the selfless hours they spend teaching our children and ensuring that the arts continue to thrive in our great state,” Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter and first lady Lori Otter said in a statement.

Silver award medallions, designed by Idaho artist Elizabeth Wolf, will be presented to the recipients by the governor and first lady at a ceremony Nov. 3 at the State Capitol rotunda. The event is free and the public is invited.